Hyuga Masao.
At this moment, in the back room of the Hyuga Clan's main residence, Chiba narrowed his eyes slightly as he looked at the deceased clan head's name written on the Spirit Tablet in the very center. A cold smile slowly spread across his lips.
A complicated emotion spread through his chest, leaving his heart icy cold.
Scenes of Yukina's everyday life surfaced in his mind, along with the unfair treatment she had suffered—things he had never asked about, yet could easily imagine.
As for this previous head of the Hyuga Clan, whom he had never met, Chiba's opinion of him was just as complicated as the emotions currently filling his chest.
First, he had created the current situation. All the suffering Yukina had endured stemmed from him.
Second, if not for him, Hyuga Shinsuke might have risen to power and abolished the Caged Bird Seal. Yukina would not only have been free from its threat, but might even have become the first heir in line.
Yet he had to admit that the old clan head's foresight, as well as the way he handled everything after the rebellion, had been remarkably wise and shrewd.
Though already on the brink of death, he had still cleared away every hidden danger left from his time in office and handed a clean, trouble-free Hyuga Clan over to Hyuga Hiashi.
Chiba could hate this old clan head, perhaps even hate the Hyuga Clan along with him, but given his nature, he could not deny the old man's methods and wisdom.
Moreover, aside from that icy feeling, Chiba also felt some regret.
Regret that he could not meet the old clan head in person.
Regret that he had been unconscious for half a year and missed the Hyuga Clan's internal struggle between brothers.
Regret